Flyweight Muhammad Mokaev finally has a ranked opponent to contend with.
Mokaev (10-0, 1NC) has been seeking a dance partner with a number next to their name for some time — and has found that in the form of ex-title challenger and The Ultimate Fighter 24 winner Tim Elliott (19-12-1). The pair will face off at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21, 2023.
Elliott is currently ranked #10 in the 125 pound division. Mokaev himself is #11, but has never before faced a ranked opponent.
Eurosport was first to report news of the booking, which Mokaev later confirmed on social media.
Mokaev, who had an impressive amateur career that saw him capture multiple titles and post a 23-0 record, is 4-0 under the UFC banner to date. His last fight saw him capture a neck crank submission victory over Jafel Filho — but not before surviving a nasty heel hook earlier in the fight.
Elliott has won his last two contests, capturing unanimous decision wins over Tagir Ulanbekov and Victor Altamirano. He’s posted a 4-1 record across his last five fights.
UFC 294 will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE on October 21, 2023. No other fights have been reported for the card, and no main event has been announced by the promotion. That said, the return of Islam Makhachev is widely expected to take place at the PPV event.
